"The impact of menstrual cycle on lipid levels in healthy premenopausal women"

Abstract

Background: Cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are the leading cause of death worldwide and healthy premenopausal women seems to have reduced risk of CVD compared to men and postmenopausal women. The levels of estradiol are suggested to mediate these differences by promoting a more favorable lipid profile in premenopausal women. Few studies have investigated the influence of the menstrual cycle on the lipid profile. Aim: The aim of this study was to investigate the impact of menstrual cycle and its hormonal fluctuations on lipid levels in healthy premenopausal women. Methods: Prospective collection of lipid profile at three stages (follicular phase (V1)/ ovulation (V2) /luteal phase (V3)) during one menstrual cycle. In addition, a retrospective 24 hour recall (24HR) was conducted at all three visit, and information about “cravings” and “emotions” were also obtained. Results: A total of 32 non-contraceptive using, healthy premenopausal women participated, where 22 (68.8%) women completed all three visits in accordance to the inclusion criteria. Data from these 22 women are therefore presented in this thesis. Total Cholesterol (TC) levels were significant changed during the menstrual cycle (p=0.03), where the greatest change was seen between V1 and V2 (+2.5%, 0.11 mmol/L). There were no significant changes in the other lipid levels during the cycle. As expected, the hormone levels were significant different between visits, but there were no significant correlations between changes in TC levels and changes in hormone levels. No significant differences were found in dietary intake during the menstrual cycle. Self-reported frequency of “cravings” and “altered emotions” differed through the cycle and were significant higher in the follicular phase (V1) compared to V2 and V3 (P≤0.001, P<0.05, for “cravings” and “altered emotions”, respectively). Conclusion: In this study, we found significant change in TC levels, but no change in the other lipid markers during the menstrual cycle. The self-reported frequency of “cravings” and altered “emotions” were highest during the follicular phase (V1) but did not affect the dietary intake. Further studies are needed to confirm our findings and to better understand the impact of the menstrual cycle on the lipid levels.